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ITV Report

7 May 2013 at 9:38am

Comedian Jimmy Tarbuck arrested in child abuse inquiry

Comedian Jimmy Tarbuck. Photo: Press Association

Veteran comedian Jimmy Tarbuck, who was born and grew up in Liverpool, has been arrested in connection with a historical child sex abuse allegation concerning an alleged incident in the late 1970s, sources said.

Tarbuck, 73, was questioned by North Yorkshire Police on April 26 in relation to the incident which allegedly happened in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, when the victim was a young boy.

The TV personality's name had not been revealed until the Daily Mail named him.

It is understood he was arrested at his home in Kingston Upon Thames, south-west London, and released on bail.

The arrest was made following information passed by Metropolitan Police officers working on Operation Yewtree to the North Yorkshire force.

A force spokesman said: "North Yorkshire Police can confirm that a 73-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a historic child sex abuse investigation in Harrogate.

"The man was arrested in Kingston Upon Thames on Friday 26 April 2013.

"Following questioning, he was released on police bail pending further inquiries.

"The complaint relates to an incident that occurred in the late 1970s when the victim was a young boy.

"It would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage."

Jimmy Tarbuck is known for being a comedian who has spent more than 50 years in television.

Born in 1940 in Liverpool, he was a schoolmate of future Beatles member John Lennon and his first television breakthrough came with It's Tarbuck 65! in 1964.

He hosted numerous quiz shows, including Winner Takes All and Full Swing.

In 1994 he was awarded an OBE by the Queen for his services to showbusiness and charity.

Last November he performed in The Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

His daughter is the actress, television and radio presenter Liza Tarbuck.